SMC Commissioner visits Bemina, takes stock of public grievances

Srinagar, Sept 16: Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Dr. Shafaqat Khan visited many interior areas of Bemina Saturday morning to review arrangements made for Muharram and to take stock of public grievances.

Chairman of the Bemina Development and Welfare Forum, Syed Ali Safvi, apprised the commissioner of myriad civic problems in the area. During his whirlwind visit, SMC Commissioner did on-spot assessment and issued instructions for the speedy redresal of all problems, including lighting, drainage and sanitation.

The commssioner assured local people that all arrangements would be put in place by the civic agency in coordination with other departments for the month of Muharram. “As per instructions from the top, all necessary arrangements would be made so that Muharram this year is observed in its true spirit,” said Dr. Shafaqat Khan. “We will ensure proper sanitation in all the areas including procession routes so that mourners don’t face any inconvenience or hassles.”

SMC Commissioner said Khomeini Chowk needs a robust drainage system and there are multiple government schemes with loan from Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank (WB) to make sure that drainage network in Srinagar city covers 90 percent area within two years.

“We have projected the cost of scheme in ADB loan at 26 crores and we promise the people in Srinagar – including in Bemina – that within two years we will have a functional and robust drainage network,” said the Commissioner.

Bemina Development and Welfare Forum (BDWF), which facilitated the SMC Commissioner’s visit, thanked him for his tour of interior areas of Bemina and urged him to follow up on his promises in time-bound manner and ensure all necessary arrangements are put in place for Muharram.